Understanding Interviews and Questionnaires

What is the main difference between an interview and a questionnaire?

• An interview is conducted in person, while a questionnaire is conducted online.

• An interview involves asking questions directly to a participant, while a questionnaire is a written set of questions answered by the participant on their own.

• An interview is always formal, while a questionnaire is always informal.

• An interview is only for qualitative data, while a questionnaire is only for quantitative data.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that an interview involves direct interaction with a participant, while a questionnaire consists of written questions that participants answer independently, emphasizing the method of data collection.

Which of the following is an example of an open question?

• Do you like reading books? Yes/No

• What is your favourite book and why?

• Is the sky blue? Yes/No

• Have you ever travelled abroad? Yes/No

Answer explanation

An open question invites detailed responses, unlike closed questions that require a simple yes or no. 'What is your favourite book and why?' allows for elaboration, making it the only open question among the options.

Which of the following is an example of a closed question?

• How do you feel about climate change?

• What are your thoughts on the education system?

• Do you prefer tea or coffee?

• Describe your ideal holiday destination.

Answer explanation

A closed question is one that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no' or a specific choice. 'Do you prefer tea or coffee?' is closed as it requires a choice between two options, unlike the other open-ended questions.

What type of question allows participants to answer in any way they wish?

• Closed question

• Open question

• Multiple-choice question

• True or false question

Answer explanation

An open question allows participants to respond freely, providing their thoughts and opinions without restrictions. In contrast, closed, multiple-choice, and true/false questions limit responses.

Which of the following is a characteristic of closed questions?

• They allow for detailed responses.

• They provide a limited number of answer choices.

• They encourage participants to elaborate on their answers.

• They are always written in essay format.

Answer explanation

Closed questions provide a limited number of answer choices, making it easy to analyze responses. In contrast, they do not allow for detailed or elaborative answers, nor are they typically written in essay format.

In which scenario would an investigator most likely use an interview?

• When they need to collect data from a large number of people quickly.

• When they want to explore in-depth opinions and experiences.

• When they need to gather statistical data.

• When they want to ensure anonymity for participants.

Answer explanation

An interview is ideal for exploring in-depth opinions and experiences, allowing the investigator to gather detailed qualitative data that cannot be obtained through quick surveys or statistical methods.

Which of the following is an example of a closed question?

• What are your hobbies?

• Do you like coffee? Yes/No

• How do you feel about the weather today?

• What is your favorite book?

Answer explanation

An open question allows for a detailed response, while closed questions limit answers to yes or no. 'What is your earliest memory?' invites a narrative, making it the only open question among the options.

What is a common feature of both interviews and questionnaires?

• They both require face-to-face interaction.

• They both can include open and closed questions.

• They both are used exclusively for quantitative research.

• They both are always conducted online.

Answer explanation

Both interviews and questionnaires can include open and closed questions, allowing for a range of responses. This flexibility is a key feature that supports qualitative and quantitative research.

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?

• What is your favorite color?

• Do you like ice cream? Yes/No

• Can you describe your ideal vacation?

• Is it raining outside? Yes/No

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Did you enjoy the movie? Yes/No', is a closed question because it requires a specific, limited response (either 'Yes' or 'No'), unlike the other options which invite more elaborate answers.

Why might an investigator choose to use a questionnaire instead of an interview?

• To gather detailed personal stories.

• To collect data from a large number of participants efficiently.

• To ensure all participants are asked different questions.

• To allow for spontaneous follow-up questions.

Answer explanation

An investigator might choose a questionnaire to collect data from a large number of participants efficiently, as it allows for standardized responses and quicker analysis compared to individual interviews.